to declare or state as truth, maintain or defend, put forward forcefully SYN affirm, avow

cower

to crouch or shrink away from in fear or shame SYN cringe, flinch ANT stand up to

disdain

(v.) to look upon with scorn; to refuse scornfully; (n.) a feeling of contempt

epitaph

a brief statement wirtten on a tomb or gravestone SYN tombstone inscription

ethical

having to do with morals, values, right and wrong; in accordance with standards of right conduct; requiring a prescription for purchase SYN upright, virtuous, honorable ANT immoral, unscrupulous, dishonest